Immigration into the United States

The date was 15 August 1914. Juan Dominguez and Maria Marquez exchanged vows in the Catholic Church parish of Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico.

He was 25 years old an a day laborer at the Rancho Obligado. His parents were Vincente Dominguez and Felipa Martinez who had died on 5 February 1902. He was restless and wanted more for their lives. I think, to be brutally homest, he wanted more for his life.

Maria was 16 years old and lived within Rancho Obligado. Her mother was Aurelia Marquez. No name for her father is recorded although her death certificated names him as Francisco Perez. Family history suggests that Aurelia who was a servant in the main house was sexually abused and Maria was the result of the relationship.



Juan and Maria as well as their extended families lived and worked for the Hacienda Santa Cruz. The hacienda system in Mexico was similar to the European fuedal system. Systems were in place to keep workers in debt in order to keep them working the land. The social conflict of the hacienda system was partly respondsible for the Mexican Revolution. The United States was an attractive alternative for work, respect, education and a new life.

Juan, his brother Leandro and their cousins, Gaspar, José Ascención and Pedro began to talk about going North to find work. Gaspar and his family crossed the border at El Paso on 5 October 1916. Juan and his family crossed the border n 1918 with Leandro coming the next year. José Ascención and Pedro also arrived in 1919 and eventually returned to live in Fresnillo.

They were together again in 1920. The 1920 U. S. Census records them living in Kyrene, Maricopa County, Arizona. They lived there for several years working in the cotton fields and increasing their families with sons and daughters. The future of there families was discussed and decisions were made for eventual travel to Los Angeles.

There are other stories to tell before the Los Angeles tales. For now, hasta luego (see you later).